Hartlepool-based star-studded charity ball attended by Strictly pair and Liverpool FC legend smashes £500,000 milestone
A Hartlepool-based charity’s latest glittering annual ball has smashed the £500,000 barrier for the event.
The PFC Trust’s fifth annual Green & Blue Ball raised an amazing £122,000 on the night.
The record-breaking figure means the charity, which aims to change people’s lives for the better across the region, has now raised well over £500,000 across the event’s five nights held since its inception.
More than 300 guests were entertained during the glitzy evening at Teesside University’s Digital Life Centre which also marked the charity's seventh birthday.
Star guests included long-time Hartlepool’s own Strictly Come Dancing star Lewis Cope and his professional partner Katya Jones, as well as long time Trust supporter and England and Liverpool football legend John Barnes.
The dancing duo contributed significantly to the night's fundraising success when two private dance classes they offered in the charity auction fetched an incredible £7,000 in donations.
PFC Trust founder Frances Connolly said she was “completely blown away” by the generosity of supporters.
“To cross the half-a-million-pound mark across our five balls is a testament to the incredible spirit of this community,” she said.
"I want to say a huge thank you to our operations manager, Kelly Brooks, and the entire team for pulling off such a fantastic event.
“Their tireless dedication and hard work from the team and our sponsors and supporters have ensured that we can continue to change people's lives for the better.”
Kelly said: “It was an absolutely phenomenal evening and a true milestone for The PFC Trust. Moving to a new, larger venue at Teesside University was a massive undertaking for the whole team, but seeing 300 guests come together to raise over £122,000 made every ounce of hard work worthwhile.
“To cross the half-a-million-pound mark across our five balls is just staggering.
“I couldn't be prouder of the team and what we've achieved together for the people of this region.”
Numerous local businesses sponsored the event as well as individuals, and Sian also paid tribute to the Trust’s 50 volunteers on the night.
To accommodate its growing scale, the ball was moved to the new venue after four consecutive sell-out years at Hartlepool College of Further Education.